Beautiful Word: Your Daily Devotion

Daily Scriptural Insights, Curated by the Editors of CT | [View online]( [ChristianityToday.org]( [Beautiful Word Newsletter]( Wednesday, May 10, 2017 The Lonely Road [Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton]( Wetherell and Sarah Walton&db=true) Today’s Verse Powered by the [New Living Translation]( “Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10–12 [View in context]( Paul summarizes all that he is facing in two phrases—“our bodies continue to share in the death of,” but not without purpose, for it is “so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” Following a suffering and rejected Savior in a fallen world will involve suffering—both because the world is fallen and because the world rejects its King. But when we suffer and choose to trust Christ through the trials we face, we are filled with his power and presence, reflecting his image to those around us. The road of hurt is marked by hope. But we shouldn’t underestimate that this road can, at times, be lonely. It was for Jesus, and it will be for those who follow in his steps. I remember when we began realizing that my (Sarah’s) eldest son struggled in ways that other children seemed not to. I was on a scary journey that it seemed no one else could relate to. As the struggle intensified, I found myself pulling away from those I cared about, staying home, and pushing down the stress and emotional turmoil building within me. In the confusion, fear, and uncertain future, I felt utterly alone. But—and I still find this surprising, and wonderful—over these lonely years I have discovered within me a thankfulness for the lonely road I have been given to travel. Walking it has brought me a greater understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and to know him not only as my Savior, but my comfort, sustainer, hope, and strength. Reflect: Read 2 Corinthians 4:10–12. How have experiences of suffering uniquely drawn you to Christ? How have you experienced and reflected his presence even in times of loneliness? Pray: Focus your prayer on expressions of gratitude, thanking Jesus for his faithful presence even in experiences of utter loneliness. Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton are coauthors of [Hope When It Hurts: Biblical Reflections to Help You Grasp God's Purpose in Your Suffering]( (The Good Book Company). Kristen blogs at [www.UnlockingtheBible.org](. Sarah blogs at [www.SetApart.net](. [Read devotions online]( | [Share with a friend](mailto:&subject=Christianity Today Women: The Lonely Road&body= More for Women [Female Pastors Bring Hope to War-Torn Middle East Churches]( [Female Pastors Bring Hope to War-Torn Middle East Churches]( Syria and Lebanon celebrate the historic ordination of a pair of faithful clergy. Griffin Paul Jackson [Dispatches from Baylor: Let Women Lead]( [Dispatches from Baylor: Let Women Lead]( We see female professors excel when the people around them support their callings. Beth Allison Barr Follow Us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [RSS]( [Subscribe to this newsletter]( In the Current Issue [May]( [The Science of Sinning Less]([Subscriber access only] [What to Make of Donald Trump's Soul]([Subscriber access only] [Why Don't the Gospel Writers Tell the Same Story?]([Subscriber access only] [View Full Issue]( [Subscribe Now]( Christian Bible Studies [Expectant Prayer]( ) What should we expect from prayer, and what are our responsibilities? by B. Jason Reardon [Beautiful Word]( Delivered via email to subscribers daily. [Subscribe]( | [Email Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Advertise]( | [Subscribe to CT]( You are currently subscribed as: {EMAIL} Copyright ©2017 [ChristianityToday.org]( Christianity Today, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.